Reviews demographic and health data on older Americans and describes services at the Topeka Public Library that are targeted to serve adults aged 75 and older, including selection and delivery of books to shut-ins and nursing homes, materials and information for the visually handicapped, and special programing. (8 references) (MES)

Reports results of a biennial survey of public libraries serving populations of 100,000 or more, including data on per capita expenditures, directors' salaries, and beginning professional salaries. Sixteen tables break down data by region, size of population, and sex of director. Three references are listed. (MES)

Describes the Tacoma Public Library's experience with "BIP Plus," the CD-ROM version of Books in Print. Memory requirements, search capabilities, automatic ordering, and the library staff's response are discussed. Keyword searching is explained as the system's most used feature, and price the area of most serious concern. (EM)

Notes that draft proposal for voluntary public library accreditation prepared by ad hoc committee is now ready for consideration by professional community. This article defines accreditation and proposes possible goals to provide a framework for discussing the pros and cons of establishing a Commission for the Accreditation of Public Libraries.…

Presentation of a scenario in which a city council imposes fees for public library services without consulting the library director or trustees is followed by three analyses of the situation, and ways in which it should be handled by the library director are suggested. (CLB)

Describes both a dichotomy between library managers and library staff involved in direct service and a supervisory development instrument intended for use by employees to rate supervisors. This instrument, which is included, is designed to encourage an organizational climate characterized by mutual trust and shared values among supervisors and…

Provides detailed outline of a process for establishing a merit pay plan for public libraries, including guidelines for developing a job classification scheme and salary schedule, evaluating personnel performance, and making merit pay decisions. (CLB)

Describes the design, development, and implementation of an adult literacy program incorporating adult learning centers within the Brooklyn Public Library system. (CLB)

Describes the Pacific Northwest Conspectus Database, a regional resource assessment tool which includes information about library collections in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Use of the database by academic, public, and special librarians to better manage their collections and to coordinate planning and purchasing with other…

Reports results of a survey of specialized administrators of public libraries which examined administrator characteristics, including positions held, professional self-identification (librarian or other), educational background, civic and professional activities, career patterns and job satisfaction. The need to examine further the disparities…

Discusses the need for Spanish language materials in public libraries, and describes support systems that aid in the selection of materials. A directory of 50 vendors of Spanish language books, with brief information about the scope of materials and services they make available, is provided. (CLB)